by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Thu October 8, 2026
Donna Kurst (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel River Cruises)
WHY IT RATES: Riviera Travel River Cruises continues to invest in its North America sales team.—Sarah Kuta, TravelPulse writer
Riviera Travel River Cruises, a leader in ultra-premium river cruising, ocean yachts, and global land travel for more than 40 years, today announced the appointment of Donna Kurtz as MICE sales director of North America. This newly created position will support the brand as it continues its rapid North American expansion, with Kurtz focusing on charter, incentive, and group travel initiatives.
“We are thrilled to welcome Donna to the team as we prepare for another successful year supporting our North American partners,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel River Cruises. “Donna takes a dynamic approach to creating meaningful relationships and her proven record of success in the MICE segment, specifically, will elevate our impact as we strive to be an innovator across all lines of our business.”
As MICE sales director, Kurtz brings extensive knowledge of charter and incentive sales operations to Riviera Travel River Cruises. With more than three decades of cruise industry experience, Kurtz has built an exceptional reputation for driving revenue growth, developing long-term client relationships, and creating successful charter and MICE programs for some of the industry's most recognized brands. Previously, she served as director of charter and incentive sales at Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Waterways, where she oversaw the charter and sales division from inception to more than $40 million in revenue. Kurtz has also worked closely with brands such as Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises, developing successful incentive and international sales initiatives for over two decades.
“Riviera Travel River Cruises offers a product and sales structure that truly stands out, with the brand consistently finding new and innovative ways to support groups,” said Kurtz. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to strengthen our partnerships, continuing to build on the impressive surge Riviera has made in North America’s leisure travel market over the last two years.”
In her new role, Kurtz will work directly with Milan to implement streamlined strategies and foster relationships with travel advisors and the MICE market. Her appointment comes on the heels of a monumental year for the cruise line and as it prepares to introduce the world’s first-ever fully dedicated solo river cruise ship, along with expansion to Asia’s Mekong River, in 2027.
SOURCE: Riviera Travel River Cruises press release
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